How Emotions Shape TOEFL Speaking Success

Discover the surprising ways emotions and language dominance influence storytelling and communication. In this episode, we explore how Jordanian bilingual students living in Hungary revealed fascinating shifts in perception when switching between Arabic and English. Learn about linguistic relativity, cultural nuances, and practical strategies to enhance your TOEFL Speaking skills. Whether you’re navigating language challenges or preparing for high-stakes exams, this episode offers insights to help you express yourself authentically and confidently.

Join us as we dive into the interplay between emotions, culture, and language learning, and explore how AI tools like MySpeakingScore can help you refine your communication for real-world success.

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Transcript

Welcome back, everyone. Ready for another deep dive? Today, we're tackling bilingualism. Always a fascinating topic. But with a twist. 

We found this study about Jordanian bilingual students living in Hungary, and it kind of flips the script on how we think about emotions and storytelling. Interesting. So have you ever noticed that like the way you tell a story changes depending on what language you're using? Yeah, I think we've all had those moments.

(0:55 - 1:05)
It's not just about which language feels, you know, quote, unquote, more emotional. Right, right. There's something deeper going on. 

And that's what we're diving into today. I'm intrigued. Let's unpack this.

(1:06 - 1:27)
So to kick things off, this study really digs into language dominance. So not just like first language versus second language, but which language you truly feel most comfortable expressing yourself in. Exactly. 

That can be a game changer, especially when we're talking about emotions. Totally. And get this, they used a picture from the thematic apperception test or TAT.

(1:28 - 1:31)
Oh, the TAT classic. It's like a psychological mystery. I love it.

(1:31 - 1:36)
They show you a picture. You've got to come up with the story behind it. It's amazing what people come up with.

(1:36 - 1:59)
It really gets at those underlying thoughts and feelings. It really does. The picture they used in this study, it shows a man turning away from a woman who's like grabbing his shoulder. 

So much room for interpretation. Is he leaving? Protecting her? Controlling her? You start thinking about gender dynamics, cultural context, all sorts of things. And here's where it gets really cool.

(2:00 - 2:10)
The participants wrote narratives about this picture in both Arabic and English. Wow. So they could directly compare how their storytelling shifted.

(2:10 - 2:18)
Exactly. And they weren't just looking at like, you know, is Arabic more emotional than English? They wanted to see how language dominance played into it. Really smart.

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And to make extra sure, it wasn't just the order of storytelling influencing things. They had some groups write in Arabic first, then English. Got it.

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And others the reverse. Very clever. Drumroll, please.

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One of the big surprises was that the Arabic narratives weren't actually more emotional overall. Now, that's interesting. You often hear people say they feel more connected to their emotions in their first language.

(2:42 - 2:47)
Right. But this study challenges that assumption. It all comes back to that idea of language dominance.

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The language where you feel most at ease expressing yourself. It might not always align with the language you learned first. Which is kind of mind-blowing when you think about it.

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It is. It really makes you think about your own experiences. Makes you wonder, what's my most dominant language? Right.

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And are there certain emotions I find easier to express in one language versus another? Exactly. I'm sure our listeners are thinking about that right now. I bet they are. 

And wait until they hear what else this study found. Oh, yeah. This is where it gets really interesting.

(3:17 - 3:24)
Buckle up. So, remember how everyone was looking at the same picture? Yes. Well, the stories they told were totally different depending on which language they were using.

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Oh, wow. For example, some people described the man as controlling the woman when they wrote in Arabic. But when they switched to English, they saw him as protecting her.

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But that's fascinating. Same picture, different interpretation. I know, right? It really highlights the power of language to shape our perception.

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Like, hold on. Are you telling me the language itself might be influencing how people are thinking about the situation? It's a concept called linguistic relativity. Different languages have different ways of categorizing the world, different grammatical structures.

(3:58 - 4:21)
I see. So, even if you're fluent in both languages, the language you're using at that moment could be shaping your whole perspective. It's a possibility. 

And it's been debated for decades. Think about it. If switching languages can change how we interpret a simple picture, what does that mean for how we understand everything else around us? I'm starting to see how this has some major implications.

(4:21 - 4:24)
Oh, absolutely. It's not just about words. No.

(4:24 - 4:34)
It's about how those words connect to deeper cultural understandings and maybe even influence our thoughts. We're just scratching the surface here. There's so much more to explore.

(4:34 - 4:41)
Let's dive deeper, shall we? Let's do it. So, we've talked about the big picture stuff, like those different interpretations of the picture. Right.

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But the researchers also dug into some nitty-gritty linguistic details. OK. Like what? Well, they looked at the number of adjectives and adverbs people used in their narratives.

(4:52 - 5:01)
Interesting. And they found that participants actually used slightly more adjectives when writing in their first language, Arabic. So, they were getting more descriptive.

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But does that automatically mean more emotional? That's the thing. The difference in the number of adverbs wasn't actually statistically significant. So, it's not just about piling on descriptive words.

(5:13 - 5:47)
Right. It seems like each language might have its own way of conveying those subtle shades of emotion. Exactly. 

It's like each language has its own toolkit for expressing feelings. And knowing how to use those tools effectively is key, especially in something like the TOEFL speaking test. Oh, absolutely. 

If you're trying to express a complex idea or a nuanced emotion, but you're not quite sure how to do that in English, it could really affect your score. It's like, you might have a feeling in your head, but you just can't quite get it across in the right way. And that's where those AI-powered tools we talk about can be so helpful.

(5:47 - 5:54)
Like my speaking score. Yes. It can give you feedback on those subtle aspects of language that can make a big difference.

(5:55 - 6:15)
So, it's not just about grammar and vocabulary. No, it's about developing that fluency, that natural way of expressing yourself. It's like learning to play an instrument. 

You might know all the notes, but it takes practice and feedback to really bring the music to life. Beautifully put. And speaking of bringing things to life, let's get back to the content of those stories.

(6:15 - 6:20)
Oh, yeah. Interpretations. Remember, everyone was looking at the same picture, but they saw different things.

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It's wild how much language can influence our perception, right? It really is. So, in Arabic, a significant number of participants, about 67%, interpreted the scene as the man controlling his wife. Which, unfortunately, aligns with some cultural contexts where men restricting their wives' freedom is not uncommon.

(6:41 - 6:50)
Right. A sad reality in some parts of the world. But then, in English, the majority, around 62%, saw it as the man protecting the woman.

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That's a huge shift. Same picture, completely different interpretation. It makes you wonder, are there certain narratives or perspectives that become more dominant depending on the language? A fascinating question. 

And it has huge implications for how we communicate and understand each other, especially across cultures. Absolutely. It's like each language comes with its own set of cultural lenses.

(7:14 - 7:28)
And those lenses can shape how we see the world, how we interpret events, how we relate to each other. It's a powerful reminder that effective communication is about so much more than just words. It's about understanding those deeper layers of meaning and context.

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And that's where tools like MySpeakingScore can really come in handy. How so? Well, it can help learners navigate those cultural and linguistic nuances so they can express themselves clearly and confidently in English. So it's not just about learning the language.

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It's about learning how to use it effectively in different cultural settings. Precisely. It's about developing what we call intercultural competence.

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Which is essential in today's globalized world. Absolutely. Whether you're in business, diplomacy, education, clear and nuanced communication is key.

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And this study shows how crucial those subtle aspects of language are, even for people who are fluent in multiple languages. All right. Remember, these participants were all fluent in both Arabic and English.

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So it wasn't a lack of proficiency that caused the differences in interpretation. Exactly. It was something deeper.

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Something about how different languages tap into different ways of thinking. It's a key takeaway for anyone learning or using a second language. Even when you're fluent, there can still be those subtle cognitive and cultural differences that impact communication.

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So much to think about. But I'm curious. We've talked about language dominance and linguistic relativity.

(8:38 - 8:54)
But are there other factors at play here, like individual personality or personal experiences with language learning? Excellent point. That's where more research is needed. It's like each bilingual individual has their own unique linguistic fingerprint.

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I love that analogy. And understanding those individual differences is crucial for creating effective language learning tools and assessments. This is where I see the potential of AI being so huge.

(9:05 - 9:16)
Oh, absolutely. With all its data crunching power, AI can help create personalized learning experiences for each individual. And that's what tools like MySpeakingScore are already doing.

(9:16 - 9:22)
By analyzing each learner's speech patterns. Exactly. Giving targeted feedback, guidance.

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It's like having a personal language coach right in your pocket. Yeah. But AI's potential goes even further.

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Oh, in what way? Imagine AI-powered tools that could help us bridge cultural divides in real time. Wow. Translation and interpretation that takes into account those subtle nuances of language and culture we've been talking about.

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That would be incredible. It's a future where language barriers no longer hinder communication and understanding. Now that's a future I can get behind.

(9:48 - 10:01)
Okay. But let's bring it back to the present for a moment. Given everything we've discussed, what advice would you give to someone prepping for the TOEFL? Especially if they're worried about those cultural and linguistic differences affecting their score.

(10:01 - 10:06)
Great question. First and foremost, I'd say embrace those differences. Not try to erase them.

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No. Your unique linguistic and cultural background is an asset, a valuable perspective. So it's not about trying to sound like a native English speaker.

(10:16 - 10:22)
Not at all. It's about expressing yourself authentically while still meeting the demands of the test. Exactly.

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And that's where tools like MySpeakingScore can be so helpful. Right. Because it doesn't try to make you sound like someone you're not.

(10:30 - 10:43)
It helps you refine your own voice, express yourself clearly and effectively in the context of the TOEFL. It's about finding that balance between authenticity and clarity. And it's about understanding that effective communication isn't just about grammar and vocabulary.

(10:44 - 10:52)
There's more to it. It's about connecting with your audience, conveying your message with nuance and precision, making an impact. This has been so insightful.

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We've covered so much ground today. We have. It's amazing how much we can learn from just one study.

(10:58 - 11:01)
But before we get too carried away. Yeah. Let's focus back on the practical side.

(11:02 - 11:17)
Good idea. What are some specific strategies TOEFL test takers can use to improve their speaking skills, especially given all these challenges we've talked about? One of the most effective strategies is to practice speaking in a variety of contests. Not just for the test itself.

(11:17 - 11:23)
Right. Talk to native English speakers, watch movies, listen to podcasts. Even try narrating your day in English.

(11:24 - 11:31)
Exactly. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the more natural it will become. And this is where those AI-powered tools can help too.

(11:31 - 11:41)
Yes. My speaking score, for example, provides a safe space to practice and get feedback. It's like having a virtual practice partner who's always available.

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Another important strategy is to focus on fluency and coherence. So speaking smoothly without too many pauses. Precisely.

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It can be a challenge, especially when expressing complex ideas in a second language. Yeah, I can imagine. And again, practicing with AI tools can be really beneficial.

(11:58 - 12:05)
Because they can track your fluency and give you specific feedback. Exactly. And finally, don't forget about pronunciation and intonation.

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Those can make a big difference in how your message is perceived. Even if your grammar is perfect, if your pronunciation is hard to understand, it can create a barrier. Absolutely.

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And AI tools can analyze your pronunciation and give you targeted feedback. It's like having a pronunciation coach right in your pocket. So to recap, practice in different contexts, focus on fluency and coherence, pay attention to pronunciation, and don't be afraid to use AI to support your learning.

(12:34 - 12:44)
Great advice. It really highlights how language learning, cultural understanding, and AI are all coming together to create exciting new possibilities for learners. I couldn't agree more.

(12:44 - 12:52)
I'm feeling so inspired by this conversation. It's a reminder that language learning is about so much more than just acquiring skills. It's about opening up new worlds of possibility.

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And those possibilities are within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort, embrace the challenges, and utilize the power of technology. I love that. This has been such a fascinating exploration of bilingualism and the role of AI in transforming language learning.

(13:08 - 13:15)
It's been a pleasure diving into this research with you. Likewise. It's amazing what we can learn when we take a deep dive into these seemingly niche topics.

(13:15 - 13:24)
It really is. And we're back for the final part of our deep dive into bilingualism. It's been quite a journey, wouldn't you say? It really has.

(13:24 - 13:50)
So many fascinating twists and turns. We've seen how language dominance and culture shape communication, and even how those things can affect things like the TOEFL. Right. 

Who knew a picture from the TAT could spark such a discussion? It's all about empowering learners to express themselves clearly and confidently no matter their background. And AI tools like MySpeakingScore are helping make that happen. Before we wrap things up, though, I want to go back to something you said earlier.

(13:50 - 14:04)
You mentioned that even for those who only speak one language, there's still a lot to discover about how language shapes our reality. Absolutely. We might not be juggling multiple languages, but even within our native language, there are subtle forces at play.

(14:04 - 14:13)
Like what? Think about the idioms and expressions we use all the time. Those often reflect cultural values and assumptions that we might not even be conscious of. Give me an example.

(14:13 - 14:21)
Okay. Take the phrase, pull yourself up by your bootstraps. It's meant to be encouraging, right? About self-reliance and hard work.

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But it also implies that everyone starts from the same point. That everyone has equal opportunities. And that's not always the reality.

(14:29 - 14:32)
Wow. Yeah. You just use those sayings without thinking about the deeper meaning.

(14:33 - 14:45)
Exactly. But those hidden messages can have a powerful impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. It really makes you realize how important it is to be mindful of the language we use, even in our own language.

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It's about recognizing those subtle ways language can shape our thoughts and beliefs and even our behavior. It's pretty incredible when you think about it. So what can we do to become more aware of these subtle influences? It sounds simple, but just start paying attention to the language you use, the language you hear around you.

(15:04 - 15:17)
Ask yourself, what assumptions are baked into these words? How might they be shaping my perception of this person or this situation? It's like becoming a language detective. I like that. And it can be a real eye-opener.

(15:17 - 15:37)
You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself and the world around you. You know, this reminds me of something else we talked about, embracing our own linguistic and cultural backgrounds, even when learning a new language. Absolutely. 

It's not a deficit, it's an asset. It's a unique perspective that can enrich your understanding of everything. It's like adding more colors to your palette.

(15:38 - 15:44)
You can express yourself in richer and more nuanced ways. Beautifully said. And that's what makes language learning so rewarding.

(15:44 - 15:52)
It's not just about skills. It's about broadening your horizons, expanding your sense of self. This has been such a thought-provoking conversation.

(15:53 - 16:00)
It's really made me appreciate the power of language and the importance of using it thoughtfully. I'm so glad to hear that. It's been a pleasure exploring these ideas with you.

(16:01 - 16:13)
And to all our listeners, thanks for joining us on this deep dive. We hope you've gained some new insights into the incredible world of language. Keep those linguistic adventures going, and we'll catch you on the next deep dive.